Be Fearless Mountain Bike all day!
Expert riders excursion 45 km, total descens 1600 mt.
Start Point: Vecchie Carceri Castiadas. We manage the transfer from the Hotel to the starting point. It is 17 km far from the Hotel and it takes about 20 minutes by car.
Castiadas was founded in the ‘800 as agricultural penal colony. Since then they began reclamation work in this plain that extends from the granite slopes of the mountains of the “Seven Brothers” till the sea. The penal colony was closed in the 50s but has remained the agricultural vocation of the territory. The first part of the route is along the old road connecting with Solanas, a dirt road that in 5 km gradual climb brings us up to the pass of “Gutturu Frascu”, 400 mters a.s.l. We are now between Mount Minni Minni, that separates us from Villasimus, and the slopes of Mont Arbu, southeast block of granite mountains that form the Sette Fratelli Park.
To reach our next goal – the top of Mon’Arbu and wonderful rock formation called “the Sphinx” – we have to ride for about 10 km, it is 800 meters a.s.l.
The first part of the climb, for about 4 km, we cycle on a double track, a dirt road, with 8% of gradient, average. The terrain is granitic, with stones and gulleis. Then, we stay on a kind of plateau, at about 700 meters a.s.l. into a forest of oaks and arbutus.
“The sphinx” is a massive granite block, surrounded by other big stones,
shaped by wind over thousands of years, which gave him this special form that inspired its name. One rock is splitted in two parts, like it was cutted with a sword.. From the top of the main block we can enjoy all the view till the coast. After a well deserved rest and a snack, It is time to go back. We are not going to retrace exactly the same route we took to arrive here. We are doing a loop, so we carry on exploring the forest on the plateau and go down by a single
track, a path that winds between the Mediterranean bushes and bring us back to Gutturu Frascu. We have done already 25 km and the last climb is just in front of us.Monte Minni Minni, 3,5 km and 300 meters of ascent to reach the top. Once on the top you will forget all the efforts, that why we love mtb, to admire spectacular landscape like this. All the coast of Villasimius, with Capo Carbonara far in the distance.
It is adrenaline time now, ready for the descent. Our team of guides will give you some tips to ride safetely. The most important thing is not to lose the concentration and relax. It is pure fun for about 8 km. The last 6 km, between the orchards, in the plains, allow us to take a breath and go back to the hotel, smiling and satisfied.
The offer is valid for a minimum of 2 people , price per person from € 70, the offer is valid upon request and availability. ( Service powered by wild trails )